The most talked about connections between French and Irish rugby these days seem to be the intermittent transfer sagas, from Johnny Sexton’s move to Racing to Jamie Heaslip’s flirtation with a move to the Top 14. But one name, not usually associated with the high profile stars of the international side, is popping up increasingly in talks of the Irish in France. James Hart is the 22 year old scrum-half who was rejected by Leinster in his teens but has gone on to re-emerge as a leading light of Grenoble, in the Top 14.

Hart has put in some remarkable performances since his debut last year and has been subject to some high praise from the French media, including comparisons with France scrum-half Jonathan Pélissié.

Hart spoke with Off the Ball on Sunday’s show and talked to us about life in France and explained how he went from playing in Clontarf to the Top 14.

Listen to the full interview via the player below or download on iTunes